CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

On Monday, the Reds announced the acquisition of Orlando Cabrera; a 35-year-old shortstop who hit .284 last year with 77 RBI. It seems slick fielding Paul Janish will spend one more year on the bench in the hopes he will learn how to hit. At the same time, the Reds dumped Willie Tavaras on the A's along with his outlandish salary. The Reds sent infielder Adam Rosales with Tavaras and received infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named later.

On Wednesday, Xavier got another league road win with Jordan Crawford pouring in 25 against UMass in the 87-79 victory. The Muskies stormed to a 50-33 halftime lead but managed to fritter it away and actually trailed with 2-1/2 minutes to go before pulling away.

On Thursday, Cincinnati again played uninspired ball in losing to Notre Dame in South Bend 83-65. The Cats beat the Irish in Cincinnati just last week. This time Brian Kelly watched as the Bearcats pushed their coach, Mick Cronin, one step closer to the unemployment line. Can anyone say chemistry?

On Saturday, the Musketeers were in Dayton for the rematch of their bi-annual rivalry. This time the Flyers jumped out in front and wouldn't let Xavier get over the hump. Dayton won going away; final 90-65!

On Sunday, the Bearcats had the opportunity to redeem themselves against the nationally top-five ranked Syracuse Orangemen...seems odd that someone should go from playing the Irish to the Orangemen...these two fought for centuries in Ireland. The Bearcats hung tough for about three quarters of the game but then gave up a 28 to 5 run and lost 71-54.